Academic Advisor Talent Search

Southeastern Oklahoma State University•Durant, OK

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Southeastern Oklahoma State University invites applications for the position of Academic Advisor for Talent Search (a TRIO Program). The primary goal is to increase the retention and successful completion of secondary school and the enrollment in post-secondary educational programs by the disadvantaged target youth population through motivation, and the provision of designated education, financial aid, career, and other services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling, Education, Communications, or related field.
Must demonstrate a desire and the ability to relate to youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, parents, school administrators and personnel, service agency personnel and post-secondary personnel in a positive manner.
Must demonstrate strong written and oral communications skills.
Computer literacy.
Ability to relate effectively with persons from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Display initiative and ability to assume responsibility and perform duties with minimal supervision.
Professional ethics related to position.
Must have dependable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and a willingness to work flexible hours with some weekend and evening work.
Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree or pursuant of Master’s Degree in Counseling and Guidance, Public Relations/Communications; or related field desired.
Preference given for educational/social background similar to that of students served and previous experiences in TRIO or other programs for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Responsibilities

Orient the target area agencies and schools of the project goals.
Establish a working relationship through personal contact and group meetings with target area secondary schools and post-secondary educational institutions in the target area.
Identify and select eligible participants for the project services.
Collect and disseminate post-secondary admission and financial aid information.
Advocate for low-income, first-generation students and provide appropriate career, educational information, and assistance with the application process for admissions and financial aid.
Identify admissions and financial aid problems for participants and assist them with resolution of these problems and develop intervention strategies accordingly.
Counsel eligible participants concerning career options, educational goals, and planning.
Encourage completion of secondary school through motivational, career, and academic planning and activities.
Assist eligible participants with the application process for post-secondary admission, re-admission, graduation equivalency and financial aid.
Arrange tutorial assistance as needed.
Maintain confidential files on all participants to include documentation of all services provided.
Prepare progress reports on each participant and conduct follow-up research of previous participants.
Must maintain positive public relations.
Perform all other duties and responsibilities related to position as assigned by Director and the Assistant Director within the parameters of the U.S. Department of Education Guidelines.

Benefits

University paid health, vision, life insurance
Long term disability
Retirement contributions to Oklahoma Teachers Retirement System
Tuition waiver for employees and spouse/dependents who wish to enroll at Southeastern
25 paid holidays per fiscal year
Generous leave package including annual/vacation leave, sick leave, personal leave, and birthday leave.
403(b)
Health Savings Account
Flexible Spending Account
Dental
Short term disability
Dependent life insurance
Variety of ancillary benefits